Russia to complete its section of international nuclear test monitoring network this year

The Russian Ministry of Defence announced on Friday that the country’s section of the international network dedicated to monitoring signs of nuclear weapons tests will be finalized this year. The International Monitoring System, established under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), is designed to identify seismic shocks or radioactivity associated with any weapons test involving a nuclear explosion. Despite Russia withdrawing its ratification of the CTBT, a decision formalized by President Vladimir Putin on November 2, the country affirms its continued participation in this network. The completion of Russia’s segment will involve the certification of its 32nd monitoring station, situated on the Pacific island of Sakhalin, as stated by the ministry. It quoted a senior defence official as saying this was “indisputable proof of Russia’s commitment to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and to strengthening nuclear stability in the world”. No country except North Korea has conducted a nuclear test since the start of the century, but some security analysts say Russia’s withdrawal of its CTBT ratification could mark a step towards a resumption of testing, which could prompt other nuclear powers to follow suit. Russia says it made the move in order to mirror the position of the United States, which has signed but never ratified the CTBT, and that it will not carry out a nuclear test unless Washington does. With inputs from Reuters.